Charlie Schouten

The developer has submitted updated proposals to redevelop the former Riley’s snooker hall on Bridgewater Road, following two separate planning refusals in the last 18 months.

Maya’s revised scheme for the plot alongside the Bridgewater Canal is significantly scaled back from previous proposals. The developer is now planning to build eight low-rise town houses in a significant departure from earlier proposals for an apartment block.

Designed by architect Ollier Smurthwaite and supported by planner Paul Butler Associates, the refreshed proposals are for eight three-storey townhouses which will replace the vacant snooker hall. Each of the properties will have a garden with two parking spaces per property.

Maya’s plans for the site have been refused twice by Trafford Council, despite a recommendation to approve from planning officers on each occasion.

In July 2018, the council’s planning committee refused Maya’s proposals for a seven-storey block of 42 apartments after residents raised issues over the development’s scale and massing, along with traffic issues.

Maya then made a second attempt at redeveloping the site with fresh proposals cutting the block by one storey and reducing apartment numbers to 38.

However, this was also refused with issues again raised over the size of the development and parking provision, which was criticised by councillors as being “minimal”.

Maya had attempted to appeal the original refusal, but this was dismissed by planning inspector Helen Hockenhull in April this year.

Maya’s planning consultant said the latest proposals were “mindful” of concerns raised by residents and added planning officers had welcomed the reduction in height to three storeys. Councillors are also said to be “positive” about the updated plans for the site.

Trafford Council has not yet set a date to discuss the proposals. The professional team also includes Urban Green, Civic Engineers, and GIA.

Your Comments

Design of houses out of character for the area, no front garden therefore not in keeping with environment green house effect! Still looks like a block of uninteresting flats. Underground parking should be compulsory.

They could take a lesson from the massive block of flats opposite timperley college of FE. Altrincham needs more style. Other blocks on the A56 are also characterless. It’s a poor show when developers have no heart, no art.